The publisher Publisher of the media / book has provided me with a review copy at no cost. Opinions are my own. The Moons of Barsk (Barsk, #2) by Lawrence M. SchoenISBN: 0765394634 Published byTor Books on August 14, 2018 Pages: 384 Format:eARCSource: Publisher Goodreads

SYNOPSIS

Years after the events of Barsk: The Elephants’ Graveyard, the lonely young outcast and physically-challenged Fant, Pizlo, is now a teenager. He still believes he hears voices from the planet’s moons, imparting secret knowledge to him alone. And so embarks on a dangerous voyage to learn the truth behind the messages. His quest will catapult him offworld for second time is his short life, and reveal things the galaxy isn’t yet ready to know.

Elsewhere, Barsk‘s Senator Jorl, who can speak with the dead, navigates galactic politics as Barsk‘s unwelcome representative, and digs even deeper into the past than ever before to discover new truths of his own.

“The second you encounter the arboreal uplifted elephants who speak with the dead, you know you’re reading a work of singular imaginative power. It’s a delight from beginning to end.” —Walter Jon Williams, Nebula Award-winning author of theMetropolitan series

“A captivating, heartwarming story in a unique and fantastic world… as rich and mysterious as Dune.” —James L. Cambias, author of A Darkling Sea

“A heartfelt and wonderfully weird book: a space opera about kindness and memory.” —Max Gladstone, author of the Craft Sequence

“Combines excellent characters and a fascinating world. What really makes it work is how he deftly weaves together startling SFnal ideas with character-based intrigue. You’ll really care for these characters, even as you find them believably alien. I found it a compulsive page-turner and immensely enjoyable.” —Karl Schroeder, author of Lockstep

“Powerful. Grand in scope, yet deeply intimate. Schoen gives anthropomorphism some serious spirituality. It got inside my head in the way that only an exciting new idea can.” —Howard Tayler, Hugo Award-winning creator of Schlock Mercenary

Well, this is a very unique book. There are two factions at play in this science fiction story that picks up 2 years after the first book ends. The main character Fant is now a teen and society is divided by the elephant -humanoids and regular humans. As Fant is now coming into his powers, he finds that he can communicate telepathically, talk to the dead among other things. Of course, there is prejudice between the two groups and like society today, it can become unbearable to the members that are discriminated against.

The story is a fascinating concept and reminded me of something StarTrek – the old ones, with morality at play. I found myself a bit lost at times since I didn’t read the first book but I figured out enough to get the idea. I wish that there was a bit more of a recap at the beginning to get me up to speed. Even though the story was interesting enough to keep me reading. The world building also suffered since I didn’t read the first. Yes, I do want to go back and read that one and would also enjoy another installment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lawrence M. Schoen holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology and psycholinguistics. He spent ten years as acollege professor, doing research in the areas of human memory and language. This was followed by seventeen years as the director of research for a medical center in Philadelphia that provided mental health and addiction services. Evidence from both these career paths can be found in almost everything he writes.

He’s also one of the world’s foremost authorities on the Klingon language, and since 1992 has championed theexploration and use of this constructed tongue and lectured throughout the world. In addition, he’s thepublisher behind a speculative fiction small press, Paper Golem, aimed at showcasing up-and-coming new writers as well as providing a market for novellas. And too, he performs occasionally as a hypnotherapist specializing in authors’ issues.

In 2007, he was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. He received a Hugo Award nomination for Best Short Story in 2010 and Nebula Award nominations for Best Novella in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018, and for Best Novel in 2016. He’s received the Kevin O’Donnell Jr. Service to SFWA Award as well as the Coyotl Award for Best Novel. Some of his most popular writing deals with the ongoing humorous adventures of a space-faring stage hypnotist named the Amazing Conroy and his animal companion Reggie, an alien buffalito that can eat anything and farts oxygen. More serious writing can be found in his BARSK series, which uses anthropomorphic SF to explore ideas of prophecy, intolerance, political betrayal, speaking to the dead, predestination, and free will.

Lawrence lives near Philadelphia with his wife, Valerie, who is neither a psychologist nor a Klingon speaker.